SEATTLE — Forty-five teens have come together to write, produce and perform an original musical called "Keys to Fame" at the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute (LHPAI). In this 15th anniversary of the Summer Teen Musical, teen students are working collaboratively with LHPAI Summer Academy teaching artists to create an ensemble piece with original lyrics and music. "Keys to Fame" explores the universal story of pursuing a dream and the journey of bringing that dream to fruition. The play will run Thursday, Aug. 15 through Sunday, Aug. 18.

Performance Dates and Tickets

Thursday, August 15 11a.m. (Preview matinee)

Friday, August 16 7 p.m. (Opening night)

Saturday, August 17 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Sunday, August 18 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Tickets are available at brownpapertickets.com or by calling the LHPAI box office at 206. 684.4758. Tickets can also be purchased day-of-show at the LHPAI Box Office.

"Everyone really listens to our ideas about how we want to tell our story," says Josiah, a returning youth actor regarding musical director Valeka J. Holt, MFA; music director and composer Cedrick Thomas and choreographer Julian Young. Holt, who has worked with the program for several years, sees the Summer Teen Musical as a powerful tool for youth. "They get to explore their identity and individuality by creating an original script performed on stage based on their individual voice and views."

The Langston Institute Summer Performing Arts Academy doubled enrollment from 2012 to 2013 with 76 total students ranging from six to 19 years old this year. Students engage in theater training in the morning and focus on production and set support in the afternoon. "The performing arts academy is designed to develop strong minds, cooperative behavior and flexibility in all things related to ensemble creativity," says Jacqueline Moscou, LHPAI artistic director.

HistoryThe Teen Summer Musical began in 1996 as an opportunity for African American youth to experience a large-cast musical and perform on professional stages across Seattle. In 2009 the program returned to LHPAI and increased the performing arts academy based training, reached out to additional populations and focused on original youth writings. The Teen Summer Musical has served more than 2,000 youth.

Langston Hughes Performing Arts Instittue | Preserving the legacy.LHPAI celebrates, nurtures, presents, and preserves African American and Diaspora performing arts, cultural wealth and iconic legacies. Named for the prolific African American artist Langston Hughes, LHPAI represents the pluralism of local, national and global Black people, in the media platforms of film, dance, theatre and music.

Office of Arts & Culture | Making art work.We envision a city driven by creativity that provides the opportunity for everyone to engage in diverse arts and cultural experiences. We are supported by the 16-member Seattle Arts Commission, citizen volunteers appointed by the mayor and City Council.